Modular Saddle Mount and Modified Frame Cross Member for Reducing Vibration in Heavy Equipment Cabs

ABSTRACT

A modular saddle mount and modified frame cross member for reducing vibration in heavy equipment cabs preferably includes a heavy equipment modified frame cross member, two modular saddle mounts and at least two vibration isolators. The modified frame cross member includes a frame cross member, two sets of opposed mounting blocks and two cutout filler plates. The two cutout filler plates are secured in first and second cutouts. Each opposed mounting block is secured to an outside of the frame cross member. The modular saddle mount preferably includes a saddle base member and a pair of fastening inserts. A fastening cutout is formed in each end of the saddle base member. The pair of fastening inserts are retained on an inside surface of the saddle base member at opposing ends thereof. At least one isolator opening is formed through the base saddle member to receive a vibration isolator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to heavy equipment and morespecifically to a modular saddle mount and modified frame cross memberfor reducing vibration in heavy equipment cabs, which reduces thenatural frequency of a base frame of the heavy equipment.

2. Discussion of the Prior Art

The prior art discloses a number of mounting methods for reducingvibration to heavy equipment cabs. U.S. Pat. No. 7,364,223 to Mori et aldiscloses a cab supporting structure. U.S. Pat. No. 8,517,457 toYamamoto et al. discloses a construction machine provided with cab.However, it appears that the prior art does not teach or suggest using adetachable saddle mount, which is selectively detachable from a modifiedframe cross member. The detachable saddle mount is also used forretaining at least one vibration isolator. It also appears that addingmass to a frame cross member to increase the mass thereof and reduce thenatural frequency of the frame is also not disclosed in the prior art.

Accordingly, there is clearly felt need in the art for a modular saddlemount and modified frame cross member for reducing vibration in heavyequipment cabs, which uses a detachable saddle mount, which isselectively detachable from the modified frame cross member; and thedetachable saddle mount is used for retaining at least one vibrationisolator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a modular saddle mount and modified framecross member for reducing vibration in heavy equipment cabs, whichincludes adding mass to a retention frame for reducing the naturalfrequency of the base frame of the heavy equipment to mitigate theoccurrence of resonance. The heavy equipment base frame for retaining acab preferably includes a modified frame cross member, a second framecross member, a lengthwise frame rail, a corner frame and a cab mountingplate. The modified frame cross member extends inward from thelengthwise frame rail. The second frame cross member extends inward fromthe lengthwise frame rail. The corner frame extends inward from an endof the lengthwise frame rail and is secured to the second frame crossmember. The isolator mounting plate is secured to the lengthwise framerail and the corner frame. An isolator opening is formed in each end ofthe isolator mounting plate.

The modular saddle mount and modified frame cross member for reducingvibration in heavy equipment cabs (modular saddle mount system)preferably includes the modified frame cross member, a modular saddlemount and at least one vibration isolator. The modified frame crossmember preferably includes a frame cross member, two sets of opposedmounting blocks and two cutout filler inserts. The modified cross memberpreferably includes a first cutout and a second cutout. The first andsecond cutouts are created to receive two modular saddle mounts. Thefirst and second cutouts allow an overall height of the heavy equipmentto be adjusted. Each opposed mounting block is secured to an outsidesurface of a side of the frame cross member with any suitable attachmentmethod, such as welding. Each mounting block preferably includes atleast one tapped hole. The first and second cutout inserts are attachedto perimeters of the first and second cutouts. The two cutout fillerplates restore rigidity to the frame cross member.

The modular saddle mount preferably includes a saddle base member and apair of fastening inserts. The saddle base member preferably includes atop saddle member, a first side member and a second side member. Thesaddle base member is preferably fabricated from a single piece ofmaterial. The saddle base member and the pair of fastening inserts havea preferable thickness of about 12 mm. However, other thicknesses mayalso be used to boost vibrational performance of the modular saddlemount. The first and second side members are created by bending over thefirst and second sides of the top saddle member, respectively. Afastening cutout is formed in each end of the saddle base member toprovide clearance for the pair of fastening inserts. Each fasteninginsert preferably includes a securement flange and an upright flange.The pair of fastening inserts are retained on an inside surface of thesaddle base member at opposing ends thereof. At least one isolatoropening is formed through the top saddle member to receive a vibrationisolator. A plurality of threaded taps are formed through the top saddlemember and around a perimeter of the isolator opening, if the vibrationisolator includes an attachment flange. Vibration isolators with flangesare referred to as flange mounted isolators.

An isolator adapter insert may be secured to a top of the top saddlemember, under the vibration isolator. Top and bottom roll overprotection plates may be placed above and below the attachment flange ofa vibration isolator. At least one roll over protection (ROPS) secondaryretention hole may be formed through the top saddle member to receive aROPS secondary retention bolt. A location of the ROPS secondaryretention hole is located to the side of a single vibration isolator orbetween two vibration isolators. A non-flanged or a through-bolt typevibration isolator also may be used with the modular saddle mount. Amodular saddle mount may be created to accommodate a flange mountedvibration isolator or a through-bolt vibration isolator. Use of twoflange mounted, through-bolt, or a combination of the flange andthrough-bolt vibration isolators may be used to increase effectivefrequency range or shift effective frequency range.

Secondary retention devices prevent a heavy equipment cab fromseparating from a frame during a roll-over event. The second retentiondevice includes a bolt inserted through a cab floor of a heavy equipmentcab and a modular saddle mount. A nut is threaded on to the bolt toretain the heavy equipment cab and the modular saddle mount together. Afirst alternative of a secondary retention device includes a yokeextending upward from a modular saddle mount, an extension plateextending downward from a bottom of a cab floor and a lock pin. The lockpin is inserted through the yoke and extension plate and retained inplace with a lock clip. A second alternative of a secondary retentiondevice includes a bent over edge of a cab floor, a bent-up edge of amodular saddle mount and a lock pin. The lock pin is inserted throughthe bent edge of the cab floor and the bent-up edge of the modularsaddle mount. The lock pin is held in place with a lock clip.

A third alternative of a secondary retention device includes a retentionplate extending downward from a cab floor, a slot opening formed througha top of a modular saddle mount to receive the retention plate and afastener inserted through the retention plate and a side wall of themodular saddle mount. A nut is threaded on to the bolt to retain thebolt in place. A fourth alternative of a secondary retention deviceincludes a curved tab extending upward from a modular saddle mount and aslot opening formed through a cab floor to receive the curved tab. Thecurved tab is inserted through the slot opening. An isolator bolt issecured to a vibration isolator in the modular saddle mount.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide amodular saddle mount system, which reduces the natural frequency of thebase frame of the heavy equipment.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a modularsaddle mount system, which uses a saddle mount which is selectivelydetachable from a modified frame cross member.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a modularsaddle mount of a modular saddle mount system, which is capable ofretaining at least one vibration isolator.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide anisolator adapter insert for retention in a modular saddle mount or anisolator mounting plate for reducing vibration in heavy equipment cabs,which allows different size vibration isolators to be used a singlemodular saddle mount or isolator mounting plate.

Finally, it is another object of the present invention to providesecondary retention devices for retaining a heavy equipment cab on aframe, which prevents a heavy equipment cab from being separated from aframe during a roll over event.

These and additional objects, advantages, features and benefits of thepresent invention will become apparent from the following specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a heavy equipment baseframe and a cab, which illustrate the installation of the modular saddlemount system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a modular saddle mount system with amodified frame cross member and a single isolator retained in twomodular saddle mounts in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a modified frame cross memberof a modular saddle mount system in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a modified frame cross member of amodular saddle mount system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 a is a perspective view of a modified frame cross member withopposed mounting blocks attached to the modified frame cross member withfasteners of a modular saddle mount system in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 b is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of amodified frame cross member with a strengthening plate attached to abottom thereof to increase rigidity in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 c is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of amodified frame cross member, which does not include a first cutout and asecond cutout in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a modular saddle mount with asingle isolator opening of a modular saddle mount system in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a modular saddle mount with a singleisolator opening of a modular saddle mount system in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 a is an exploded perspective view of a modular saddle mount witha support block and a bolt hole formed through the support block of amodular saddle mount system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a modular saddle mount and asingle vibration isolator with an attachment flange before attachment tothe modular saddle mount of a modular saddle mount system in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a modular saddle mount with anisolator adapter insert and a single vibration isolator with anattachment flange before attachment to the modular saddle mount of amodular saddle mount system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 a is a bottom perspective view of an isolator adapter insert of amodular saddle mount system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a modular saddle mount with anisolator adapter insert and a single vibration isolator with anattachment flange retained between top and bottom roll over protectionplates before attachment to the modular saddle mount of a modular saddlemount system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a modular saddle mount with a singlevibration isolator with an attachment flange and a roll over protectionsecondary retention bolt retained in the modular saddle mount inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10 a is a perspective view of two modular saddle mounts withstandoffs or spacers extending from a bottom thereof and tops of opposedmounting blocks located below a bottom of the first and second cutoutsof a modified frame cross member in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a modular saddle mount andtwo vibration isolators with attachment flanges before attachment to themodular saddle mount of a modular saddle mount system in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 12 is a partially exploded perspective view of a modular saddlemount with two isolator adapter inserts and two vibration isolators withattachment flanges before attachment to the modular saddle mount of amodular saddle mount system and a roll over protection secondaryretention bolt retained in the modular saddle mount in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a modular saddle mount and asingle through-bolt vibration isolator before attachment to the modularsaddle mount of a modular saddle mount system in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a modular saddle mount andtwo through-bolt vibration isolators before attachment to the modularsaddle mount of a modular saddle mount system in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a modular saddle mount, avibration isolator with an attachment flange and a second vibrationisolator, before attachment to the modular saddle mount of a modularsaddle mount system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a heavyequipment frame, which illustrates flanged isolators before installationinto an isolator adapter plate of a modular saddle mount system inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a heavyequipment frame, which illustrates non-flanged through-bolt isolatorsbefore installation into a cab mounting plate of the modular saddlemount system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view of a secondary retention device as abolt inserted through a cab floor and a modular saddle mount andretained with a nut threaded on to the bolt in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a secondary retention device as a boltinserted through a cab floor and a modular saddle mount and retainedwith a nut threaded on to the bolt in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of a first alternative of a secondaryretention device utilizing a yoke extending upward from a modular saddlemount, an extension plate extending downward from a bottom of a cabfloor and a lock pin inserted through the yoke and extension plate inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a first alternative of a secondaryretention device utilizing a yoke extending upward from a modular saddlemount, an extension plate extending downward from a bottom of a cabfloor and a lock pin inserted through the yoke and extension plate inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view of a second alternative of a secondaryretention device utilizing a bent over edge of a cab floor, a bent-upedge of a modular saddle mount and a lock pin inserted through the bentover cab floor and the bent-up modular saddle mount in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a second alternative of a secondaryretention device utilizing a bent over edge of a cab floor, a bent-upedge of a modular saddle mount and a lock pin inserted through the bentover cab floor and the bent-up edge of the modular saddle mount inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a cross sectional view of a third alternative of a secondaryretention device utilizing a retention plate extending downward from acab floor, a slot opening formed through a modular saddle mount toreceive the retention plate and a fastener inserted through theretention plate and a side wall of the modular saddle mount inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a third alternative of a secondaryretention device utilizing a retention plate extending downward from anedge of cab floor, a slot opening formed through a modular saddle mountto receive the retention plate and a fastener inserted through theretention plate and a side wall of the modular saddle mount inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a cross sectional view of a fourth alternative of a secondaryretention device utilizing a curved tab extending upward from a modularsaddle mount and a slot opening formed through a cab floor to receivethe curved tab in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a fourth alternative of a secondaryretention device utilizing a curved tab extending upward from a modularsaddle mount and a slot opening formed through a cab floor to receivethe curved tab in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1 , thereis shown a perspective view of a portion of a heavy equipment base frame100 for retaining a cab 102. The heavy equipment frame base 100preferably includes a modified frame cross member 10, a second framecross member 104, a lengthwise frame rail 106, a corner frame 108 and acab mounting plate 110. The modified frame cross member 10 extendsinward from the lengthwise frame rail 106. The second frame cross member104 extends inward from the lengthwise frame rail 106. The corner frame108 extends inward from an end of the lengthwise frame rail 106 and issecured to the second frame cross member 104 with welding or any othersuitable attachment process. The cab mounting plate 110 is secured tothe lengthwise frame rail 106 and the corner frame 108. An isolatoropening 112 is formed in each end of the cab mounting plate 110.

With reference to FIGS. 2-4 , the modular saddle mount and modifiedframe cross member for reducing vibration in heavy equipment cabs(modular saddle mount system) 1 preferably includes the modified framecross member 10, two modular saddle mounts 12 and at least two vibrationisolator 14, 16. The modified frame cross member 10 preferably includesa frame cross member 18, two sets of opposed mounting blocks 20 and twocutout filler plates 32. The frame cross member 18 preferably includes afirst cutout 24 and a second cutout 26. The first and second cutouts 24,26 are created to receive the two modular saddle mounts 12. The firstand second cutouts 24, 26 allow an overall height of the heavy equipmentto be modified. The frame cross member 18 includes a base member 25 andtwo side walls 28 that extend downward from opposing sides of the basemember 25. Each opposed mounting block 20 is secured to an outsidesurface of the side walls 28 of the frame cross member 18 with anysuitable attachment method, such as welding. With reference to FIG. 4 a, the opposed mounting blocks 20 are attached to frame cross member 18with fasteners 27. With reference to FIG. 4 b , the frame cross member18 includes a strengthening plate 21 attached to a bottom of the framecross member 18 to increase rigidity of the frame cross member 18. Withreference to FIG. 4 c , a modified frame cross member 10′ does notinclude the first cutout 24 and the second cutout 26.

Each mounting block 20 preferably includes at least one tapped hole 30.A top of each mounting block 20 is preferably located above a bottom ofthe first and second cutouts 24, 26. However, a top of each mountingblock 20 could be located at a bottom of the first and second cutouts24, 26 or below the bottom of the first and second cutouts 24. Withreference to FIG. 10 a , locating the top of each mounting block 20below the bottom of the first and second cutouts 24, 26, would requirespacers or standoffs 25 extending from a bottom of the modular saddlemounts 12. The modular saddle mount 12 is preferably a sacrificialcomponent. The first and second cutouts 24, 26 are preferably filledwith the two cutout filler plates 32. The two cutout filler platesrestore rigidity to the frame cross member 18.

With reference to FIGS. 5-6 , the modular saddle mount 12 preferablyincludes a saddle base member 34 and a pair of fastening inserts 36.However, the saddle base member 34 and the pair of fastening inserts 36could made from a single piece of material. The saddle base member 34preferably includes a top saddle member 38, a first side member 40 and asecond side member 42. The saddle base member 34 is preferablyfabricated from a single piece of material. The saddle base member 34and the pair of fastening inserts 36 have a preferable thickness ofabout 12 mm. However, other thicknesses may be used to boost vibrationalperformance of the modular saddle mount 34. The first and second sidemembers 40, 42 are created by bending over the first and second sides ofthe top saddle member 38, respectively. A fastening cutout 44 is formedin each end of the saddle base member 34 to provide clearance for thepair of fastening inserts 36. Each fastening insert 36 preferablyincludes a securement flange 46 and an upright flange 48. The pair offastening inserts 36 are retained on an inside surface of the saddlebase member 34 at opposing ends thereof. At least one saddle fasteninghole 50 is formed through each fastening insert 36 to allow attachmentof the modular saddle mount 12 to the pair of mounting blocks 20 with atleast two fasteners (not shown).

With reference to FIG. 6 a , a modular saddle member 12′ preferablyincludes a support block 57 and at least one bolt hole 55 formed throughthe modular saddle member 12′ for receiving a cable bolt 58 or the like.An isolator opening 52 and a plurality of threaded taps 54 are replacedwith the at least one bolt hole 55 and the support block 57. The modularsaddle mount 12 is preferred to experience non-linear deformationinstead of the modified frame cross member 10. It is easier to unbolt adeformed modified frame cross member instead of repairing a damagedmodified frame cross member 10. The modular saddle mount 12 ispreferably a sacrificial component.

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 11 , at least one isolator opening 52 isformed through the top saddle member 38 to receive a vibration isolator14. A plurality of threaded taps 54 are formed through the top saddlemember 38 and around a perimeter of the isolator opening 52, if thevibration isolator 14 includes an attachment flange 15. Vibrationisolators 14 with flanges 15 are referred to as flange mountedisolators. A plurality of threaded fasteners 56 are inserted through aplurality of fastening holes 17 in the attachment flange and threadedinto the plurality of threaded taps 54. A cab fastener 58 with a washer60 are used to secure the cab 102 to the vibration isolator 14.

With reference to FIGS. 8-8 a, an isolator adapter insert 62 may besecured to the top of the top saddle member 38, under the vibrationisolator 14. A location boss 65 preferably extends from a bottom of theisolator adapter insert 62. The location boss 65 is sized to be receivedby an isolator opening [not shown]. An isolator opening 64 and aplurality of threaded taps 66 are also formed through the isolatoradapter insert 62. The isolator adapter insert 62 is designed in a waythat it allows either flange mounted or through-bolt vibrationalisolators to be utilized in a saddle or on an equipment frame with nonecessary modifications. Isolator adapter inserts 62 with the samelocation boss size 65, but with different size isolator openings 64would allow the isolator adapter insert 62 to be replaced without havingthe need for multiple modular saddle mounts 12 with different sizeinsert openings 52. With reference to FIG. 9 , a top roll overprotection plate 68 is placed on top of the flange 15 of the vibrationisolation 14 and a bottom roll over protection plate 70 is placed underthe flange 15. The top and bottom roll over protection plates 68, 70include isolator openings 72 and fastener clearance holes 74.

With reference to FIG. 10 , at least one roll over protection (ROPS)secondary retention hole may be formed through the top saddle member 38to receive a retention bolt 76. The ROPS secondary retention hole islocated to the side of a single vibration isolator 14. With reference toFIG. 12 , at least one roll over protection (ROPS) hole may be formedthrough the top saddle member 38 to receive the retention bolt 76. Alocation of the ROPS hole 78 is located between first and secondvibration isolators 14. With reference to FIGS. 13-14 , a through-boltvibration isolator 16 may also be used with the modular saddle mount 12.The plurality of fasteners 56 are eliminated, because a cab retentionbolt 80 is used to retain the vibration isolator 16 in the top saddlemember 38. With reference to FIG. 15 , a modular saddle mount 12 may becreated to accommodate a flange mounted vibration isolator 14 and athrough-bolt type vibration isolator 16. Two isolator holes 52 areformed through the top saddle member 38. The plurality of plurality ofthreaded taps 54 are formed around the isolator hole 52 for thevibration isolator 14. Use of two flange mounted, through-bolt, or acombination of flange mounted and through-bolt vibration isolators maybe used to increase effective frequency range or shift effectivefrequency range.

With reference to FIG. 16 , a plurality of threaded taps 114 are formedaround each insert opening 112. A vibration isolator 14 is inserted intoeach insert opening 112 and secured to the isolator mounting plate 110through the isolator adapter insert 62 with a plurality of threadedfasteners 56. One end of the cab 102 is secured to the two vibrationisolators 14 with two cab fasteners 58. With reference to FIG. 17 , avibration isolator 16 is inserted into each insert opening 112 andthrough the isolator adapter insert 62. The two vibration isolators 16and the cab 102 are secured to the isolator mounting plate 110 with twocab retention bolts 80. Isolator adapter inserts 62 with the samelocation boss size 65, but with different size isolator openings 64would allow the isolator adapter insert 62 to be replaced without havingthe need for multiple isolator mounting plates 110 with different sizeisolator openings 112. However, four modular saddle mounts 12 could beused to support each corner of the cab 102.

Secondary retention devices prevent a heavy equipment cab fromseparating from a frame during a roll-over event. With reference toFIGS. 18-19 , a secondary retention device Preferably includes theretention bolt 76 inserted through a bolt hole 82 in a cab floor 116 anda bolt hole 19 in the top saddle member 38 of the modular saddle mount12. The vibration isolator 14 is retained in the modular saddle mount12. The cab floor 116 is secured to the vibration isolator with the bolt58. A retention nut 84 is threaded on to the retention bolt 76 toprevent the cab floor 116 from separating from the modular saddle mount12 during a roll-over event.

With reference to FIGS. 20-21 , a first alternative of a secondaryretention device includes a yoke 86 extending upward from the top saddlemember 38 of the modular saddle mount 12, an extension plate 88extending downward from a bottom of the cab floor 116 and a lock pin 90.The vibration isolator 14 is retained in the modular saddle mount 12.The cab floor 116 is secured to the vibration isolator with the bolt 58.The lock pin 90 is inserted through the yoke 86 and the extension plate88 and the lock pin 90 retained in place with a lock clip 92. However,the lock pin 90 and the lock clip 92 could be replaced with a threadedfastener and a nut or any other suitable retention device.

With reference to FIGS. 22-23 , a second alternative of a secondaryretention device includes a bent over edge 118 of the cab floor 16, abent-up edge 39 of the top saddle member 38 of the modular saddle mount12 and a lock pin 94. The vibration isolator 14 is retained in themodular saddle mount 12. The cab floor 116 is secured to the vibrationisolator with the bolt 58. The lock pin 94 is inserted through the bentover cab floor 118 and the bent-up edge 39 of the top saddle member 38of the modular saddle mount 12. An end of the bent-up 39 includes avertical orientation. An end of the bent over edge 118 includes avertical orientation. The lock pin 94 is held in place with a lock clip96. However, the lock pin 94 and the lock clip 96 could be replaced witha threaded fastener and a nut or any other suitable retention device.

With reference to FIGS. 24-25 , a third alternative of a secondaryretention device includes a retention plate 120 extending downward froman edge of the cab floor 116, a slot opening 98 formed through the topsaddle member 38 of the modular saddle mount 12 to receive the retentionplate 120 and a fastener 130 inserted through the retention plate 120and a side of the top saddle member 38 of the modular saddle mount 12.The vibration isolator 14 is retained in the modular saddle mount 12.The cab floor 116 is secured to the vibration isolator with the bolt 58.A nut (not shown) is preferably threaded on to the fastener 130 toretain the fastener 130 in place. However, the fastener 130 and the nutmay be replaced with a lock pin and a lock clip or any other suitableretention device.

With reference to FIGS. 26-27 , a fourth alternative of a secondaryretention device includes a curved tab 132 extending upward from the topsaddle member 38 of the modular saddle mount 12 and a slot opening 122formed through the cab floor 116 to receive the curved tab 132. Thevibration isolator 14 is retained in the modular saddle mount 12. An endof the curved tab 132 has a horizontal orientation. The curved tab 132is inserted through the slot opening 122 and the isolator bolt 58secured to the vibration isolator 14 in the modular saddle mount 12.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changesand modifications may be made without departing from the invention inits broader aspects, and therefore, the aim in the appended claims is tocover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spiritand scope of the invention.

We claim:
 1. A modified frame cross member of a heavy equipment baseframe for reducing vibration in a cab, said modified frame cross memberretains two modular saddle mounts, comprising: a first cutout is formedin a top of said modified frame cross member on one end, said firstcutout is sized to receive a first said modular saddle mount; a secondcutout is formed in a top of said modified frame cross member at anopposing end thereof, said second cutout is sized to receive a secondsaid modular saddle mount; a first pair of mounting blocks are attachedto opposing sides of said modified frame cross member, adjacent saidfirst cutout, wherein said first modular saddle mount is capable ofbeing secured to said first pair of mounting blocks; and a second pairof mounting blocks are attached to opposing sides of said modified framecross member, adjacent said second cutout, wherein said second modularsaddle mount is capable of being secured to said second pair of mountingblocks.
 2. The modified frame cross member of claim 1 wherein: tops ofsaid first and second pairs of mounting blocks are located above, below,or level with bottoms of said first and second cutouts, respectively. 3.The modified frame cross member of claim 1 wherein: the first and secondmodular saddle mounts are secured to said first and second pair ofmounting blocks with a plurality of fasteners, respectively.
 4. Themodified frame cross member of claim 1 wherein: said modified framecross member is a U-channel having a base member, said opposing sidesextending downward from opposing sides of said base member.
 5. Themodified frame cross member of claim 1, further comprising: a firstcutout filler plate is attached to a perimeter of said first cutout tofill said first cutout; and a second cutout filler plate is attached toa perimeter of said second cutout to fill said second cutout.
 6. Themodified frame cross member of claim 1, further comprising: astrengthening plate is attached to a bottom of said modified frame crossmember to increase rigidity thereof.
 7. A modified frame cross member ofa heavy equipment base frame for reducing vibration in a cab, saidmodified frame cross member retains two modular saddle mounts,comprising: a first cutout is formed in a top of said modified frame onone end, said first cutout is sized to receive a first said modularsaddle mount; a second cutout is formed in a top of said modified frameat an opposing end thereof, said second cutout is sized to receive asecond said modular saddle mount; a first pair of mounting blocks areattached to opposing sides of said modified frame cross member, adjacentsaid first cutout, wherein said first modular saddle mount is capable ofbeing secured to said first pair of mounting blocks, said first modularsaddle mount is selectively detachable from said first pair of mountingblocks; and a second pair of mounting blocks are attached to opposingsides of said modified frame cross member, adjacent said second cutout,wherein said second modular saddle mount is capable of being secured tosaid second pair of mounting blocks, said second modular saddle mount isselectively detachable from said second pair of mounting blocks.
 8. Themodified frame cross member of claim 7 wherein: tops of said first andsecond pairs of mounting blocks are located above, below, or level withbottoms of said first and second cutouts, respectively.
 9. The modifiedframe cross member of claim 7 wherein: the first and second modularsaddle mounts are selectively detachable from said first and second pairof mounting blocks with a plurality of fasteners, respectively.
 10. Themodified frame cross member of claim 7 wherein: said modified framecross member is a U-channel having a base member, said opposing sidesextending downward from opposing sides of said base member.
 11. Themodified frame cross member of claim 7, further comprising: a firstcutout filler plate is attached to a perimeter of said first cutout tofill said first cutout; and a second cutout filler plate is attached toa perimeter of said second cutout to fill said second cutout.
 12. Themodified frame cross member of claim 7, further comprising: astrengthening plate is attached to a bottom of said modified frame crossmember to increase rigidity thereof.
 13. A modified frame cross memberof a heavy equipment base frame for reducing vibration in a cab, saidmodified frame cross member retains two modular saddle mounts,comprising: a first pair of mounting blocks are attached to opposingsides of said modified frame cross member, adjacent said first cutout,wherein said first modular saddle mount is capable of being secured tosaid first pair of mounting blocks; and a second pair of mounting blocksare attached to opposing sides of said modified frame cross member,adjacent said second cutout, wherein said second modular saddle mount iscapable of being secured to said second pair of mounting blocks.
 14. Themodified frame cross member of claim 13 wherein: tops of said first andsecond pairs of mounting blocks are located above, below, or level witha top of said modified frame cross member.
 15. The modified frame crossmember of claim 13 wherein: the first and second modular saddle mountsare secured to said first and second pair of mounting blocks with aplurality of fasteners, respectively.
 16. The modified frame crossmember of claim 13 wherein: said modified frame cross member is aU-channel having a base member, said opposing sides extending downwardfrom opposing sides of said base member.
 17. The modified frame crossmember of claim 13, further comprising: a strengthening plate isattached to a bottom of said modified frame cross member to increaserigidity thereof.